ECU OA: Antonio Martinez-Romero

Majors: Biology and science education

Hometown: Dunn

Why did you choose ECU and what are some things that you love most about ECU? I chose ECU because the first time I stepped onto campus it immediately just felt right and like home. Some of the things I love about ECU are the professors as they are always eager to help and the culture ECU has built and evolved.

What do you remember from your own orientation that made you want to be an OA? I remember the OA staff being super helpful and nice to me and I want to be able to be that for someone else and help them with whatever they need.

How will your experiences shape your approach as an OA? I want to encourage students to take on challenges head on. I got involved in undergraduate research very early on and was scared that I possibly wouldn’t do well. After completing a portion of my project, I have found something that I am truly passionate about and that the push that I gave myself to do it has helped shape my future. I want future students to have the confidence to take on challenges and that they know they will have support from their peers and the university every step of the way.

What do you hope incoming students and family members takeaway from orientation? I hope they leave orientation knowing they made the best decision by choosing ECU and that they have a support system waiting for them on day one of their college journey.